7 Essential Networking Strategies that actually work

12.04.2015 23:10

The economy of the 21 century is evolving in an entrepreneurial direction and if we would like to be successful, let's face it - we have to communicate. In many cases if there is no communication - it won't be a business deal. SmartNetworking is one of the most lucrative and successful strategy for many entrepreneurs and professionals. I would like to share my 7 essential tips for productive networking, which produce results.

1. Do your homework - you need to learn about the event, the industry and in general make sure you are aware who will be attending. If you are interested in accounting and financial opportunities, probably a health fair won't be the best fit for you ( in some cases it might, but you get my point).

2. Go early - this will give you time to get comfortable, introduce your self to other professionals and make you look relaxed and certainly not desperate.

3.Your mindset - think regarding the networking as a strategy, which produces results, and results do not just happened over night. You want to build relationships with the people you need to, do not become a business card collector. You are a professional. Besides no one is trilled by receiving e-mails 5 times per week from strangers. We prefer to do business with people we know and trust.

4. Be present and sincerely interested in the conversation you have with other professionals. You don't need to connect with twenty people at the event. If you made two meaningful connections, you didn't waste your time.

5. Make a polite, classy exit if you are not interested any longer in the conversation or you would like to meet a few more people for the time frame you are attending.

6. You don't have to know anybody at the networking event. Even better - exercise your networking skills and feel confident about it. Most people will be happy to have you in their group and they even might start a conversation when they notice your presence. Just introduce yourself. Try to approach bigger groups.

7. Dress code - in the US we use a few popular terms regarding dress codes. Dress for success, Dress to impress, Dress to progress, ( I made the last one up)etc. Getting some information about the event, the capacity, the professionals which will attend, where it will take place, all this details will give you an indication what to wear. I personally stay away from black, because especially if the event is after 5:00 p.m. many people will be wearing black. You would like to be visible and stand out. Try not to be overdressed, at the same time if you are wearing sneakers at an event ( even if they are Michael Jordan's), which is taking place in a five star hotel, probably won't be your best choice.